Abstract
In recent years, there is a whole generation of children who grow up as part of planned lesbian and gay families. In this review, there is an attempt to consider the psychological implications that lesbian and gay parenting has both for lesbian and gay parents as well as for their children's emotional, social and sexual development. Specific emphasis is given to the different challenges, which lesbian and gay couples have to face upon deciding to become parents. The role of the counselling psychologist in assisting these couples is discussed and guidelines for research and therapeutic practice are provided.